CRESC Weekly Update

Looking for a zero-prep, completely mess-free outdoor activity to beat the July heat? Grab some water and some chunky house-painting brushes, and head out to the sidewalk or a wooden fence!

• The Fun: Toddlers love "painting" the dry concrete and watching it instantly turn dark and shiny wherever their wet brush touches.

• The Magic Science: Because of the summer heat, their masterpieces will quickly disappear! You can teach them a big new word: evaporation (the warm air turning the water into invisible vapor).

• The Best Part? Absolutely zero cleanup, no stained clothes, and endless replay value as the sidewalk dries up and leaves a blank canvas over and over again!

💡 Fine Motor Tip: Using thick rollers or sponge brushes builds gross and fine motor muscles in their shoulders and hands, which helps them prepare for writing down the road.

Dear CLASS Observers,

Our CRESC Local Lead Team is still in the process of collecting CLASS® observation booklets from this past year.

To help us wrap up our regional data collection, please take a quick moment to check your email inbox for any missed coordination messages, or reach out to us directly so we can arrange a quick day and time to meet up and collect yours!

Thank you so much for your quick cooperation and help in getting these gathered up.

Be well,

Wendy Green

Now Scheduling: CLASS Observations!

It’s that time of year again! We are officially booking CLASS observations for the upcoming school year. Please take a moment to check your inbox and reply to any scheduling emails so we can coordinate the best dates for you and your team. We appreciate your prompt responses!

See the information below for details about this upcoming "Learning Year" (2026-27) at CRESC!

Dear Providers,

As we step together into the CLASS® "Learning Year," the Crowley's Ridge Educational Service Cooperative (CRESC) catchment area is launching a structured rollout designed to guide and assist you every step of the way.

Please review the three-part rollout process below, which outlines exactly how we will work alongside your facility moving forward.

Part 1: Initial Local Lead Facility Visits & Reliability Setup

• Step 1: Contact & Scheduling – A member of the CRESC Local Lead team will contact you directly by phone or email to schedule an in-person facility visit. Please note: No CLASS observer will begin conducting official observations until the Local Lead team contacts you to confirm your facility is fully ready.

• Step 2: Dual Coding & Observations – During this scheduled visit, the Local Lead team will sit down with your facility's certified observer to "double-code" side-by-side. Together, we will code all four 20-minute observation sessions.

• Step 3: The NICE Process – Following the observations, our team will remain on-site to walk through and complete the NICE process for one full cycle.

• Step 4: Supporting Independence – Once reliability is confirmed and we have completed our post-observation conversation, the Local Lead team will determine the next steps. We may schedule follow-up visits to support additional observations, or we may hand over the official CLASS booklets so your certified observer can independently conduct CLASS observations within your facility.

Part 2: Data Collection & Portal Uploads

• Step 1: Data Collection – The Local Lead team will meet with your CLASS observer or pick up completed observation data to collect the entire facility's observation records.

• Step 2: Teachstone Portal Management – To maintain consistency and reduce administrative burdens on your staff, no individual inside the CRESC catchment area will have direct portal access to upload their own data. The Local Lead team will personally enter and manage all facility observations within the Teachstone portal.

Part 3: Feedback Meetings

• Step 1: Afternoon Next-Step Meetings – Once the data is securely logged in the Teachstone portal, the Local Lead team will schedule an afternoon meeting with your CLASS Observer (Director/Owner). Note: Each facility has the complete choice to include their classroom teachers in this meeting or keep it administrative. During this time, we will collaboratively review the data and map out a next-step action plan for your staff.

• Step 2: Sign-Off & Documentation – At the conclusion of this afternoon's meeting, the CLASS Observer (Director/Owner) will sign our completion form to confirm that our team has fulfilled this task. You will receive a physical copy of this documentation for your records.

❤️ We Are Here to Support You

As you can clearly see from this structured rollout, your Local Leads are here to serve as your support system. Our entire focus is on uplifting, assisting, and protecting everyone through this process moving forward.

We truly cannot wait to work directly alongside you to do what is best for your staff, your centers, and the children of our CRESC catchment area!

Warmly,

Wendy Green

Local Lead Captain

Allowable Use of Funds

These funds are intended to build educator capacity and strengthen instructional quality.

• Approved Uses: High-quality instructional materials (HQIM), books, manipulatives, professional development workshops, and certification fees.

  
  

• Prohibited Uses: Funds may not be used for gift cards, staff meals, or bonuses/supplemental compensation.

• KEEP RECEIPTS of how you spent the money!

Starting July 2028 school year, Arkansas will require all publicly funded early childhood programs to use a curriculum from the state’s official Approved Curriculum List. The goal is to ensure every classroom has high-quality materials that support great teaching, and the state is even working to find free or low-cost options to help make this change easier for everyone.

I am more than happy to support any provider as you begin to do your research on what HQIM is best for YOUR facility!

Click on link https://dese.ade.arkansas.gov/Files/Final_Approved_List_OEC.pdf IMPORTANT: Once you click the link, you can select the underlined curriculum within each box to view a breakdown of why it was chosen.

For more information, here is a helpful website: https://dese.ade.arkansas.gov/Offices/office-of-early-childhood/content--development/curriculum

Call your Local Lead.

Don't Miss the Next QRIS Monthly Provider Call with OEC

The Arkansas Quality Rating and Improvement System (QRIS) is a statewide initiative designed to recognize, support, and strengthen the quality of early childhood education and care across Arkansas. Through QRIS, early learning programs have access to a clear framework for continuous quality improvement, professional development, and resources that help create safe, engaging, and developmentally appropriate learning environments for young children.

Worth Looking Into: Giving Tree Grant Window Now Open!

I wanted to quickly pass along a funding opportunity that may be worth looking into for your facility.

The application window for the Giving Tree Grant Program is officially open. This program supports a broad range of projects that serve immediate local needs.

Important Dates & Details:

• Application Window: Opened July 10 and closes August 15.

• How to Apply: This grant is managed locally by participating affiliate offices. You will need to contact the executive director in your specific area to learn more about their local priorities and application timelines.

If you need assistance or have questions, you can contact them directly at 501-372-1116. and here is the link for the website https://www.arcf.org/apply-for-giving-tree-grants/

Best regards,

Wendy Green

Hi everyone,

I am so excited to share that we are launching a pilot of Be Well. Lead Well., a brand-new virtual cohort through Be Well Care Well.

This is an incredible four-month experience designed specifically for ECE directors and assistant directors—and because it's a pilot, it is being offered at absolutely no cost!

However, space is strictly limited to just 15 owners/directors!

🌿 What is the "Be Well. Lead Well." Cohort?

Over the course of four months, participants will engage in live virtual trainings, individualized coaching, peer connection, and guided reflection.

The program focuses heavily on emotional, social, physical, and occupational wellness, helping leaders:

• Strengthen and prioritize their own personal well-being.

• Explore practical ways to support their staff’s well-being.

• Build healthier, more supportive workplace cultures.

📝 What is the commitment?

To get the most out of this pilot, participating ECE leaders are asked to:

• Fully engage in the overall experience.

• Attend the live, virtual sessions.

• Implement new wellness strategies in their centers.

• Provide meaningful feedback to help shape future opportunities for ECE leaders.

🚀 How to Apply

Applications are open now through August 10th (or until all 15 spots are filled).

Attached is a flyer with additional details and the link to apply.

Thank you so much for helping us champion the well-being of our ECE leaders. When our leaders are well, they are so much better equipped to support the educators, children, and families they serve daily.

Please let me know if you have any questions!

Best regards,

Jamie Ward

There has been an incredible amount of interest from our CRESC providers regarding this year’s Technology Grant, and I am so excited to see how eager everyone is!

Because the slots I was given are strictly limited—and because this is a lengthy commitment—I want to make sure everyone is fully informed. If a provider signs up and changes their mind later, our area completely loses that slot. To ensure you know exactly what is being asked of you and what your center will receive, I am hosting an information session next week.

Please join me next Friday, July 24th from 11:30 AM – 12:30 PM on Zoom so we can go over all the details before the limited slots are awarded!

(Note: The Zoom room will open at 11:15 AM if you'd like to log on early).

📅 Meeting Details & Links

• Topic: CRESC CCMS Pilot Kickoff Presentation

• Date: Friday, July 24, 2026

• Time: 11:30 AM – 12:30 PM Central Time (Zoom opens at 11:15 AM)

• Join Zoom Meeting: Click Here to Join

• Meeting ID: 878 1002 5275

• Passcode: 867807

Alternative Joining Options:

• One-tap mobile: +13126266799,,87810025275# (Chicago) or +16468769923,,87810025275# (New York)

• Meeting chat link: Launch Chat

I want to make sure everyone walks into this opportunity feeling confident and prepared. I can't wait to see you all there and explore how this grant can support your centers!

Best regards,

Wendy Green

I am absolutely thrilled to announce that we have partnered with Mississippi Head Start to provide two incredible days of in-person professional development this August in Mississippi County!

A massive thank you to Head Start for recognizing the power of continuous learning and working so hard to ensure our staff has the knowledge and tools to do what is best for children. We cannot wait to meet, collaborate, and learn with all of you!

📚 What to Expect

We are putting together a fantastic lineup of sessions designed to support your growth, strengthen classroom strategies, and set everyone up for an amazing upcoming school year.

Trainings will include:

• Age-Specific CLASS Tracks: Deep dives into age-appropriate CLASS strategies tailored to your specific classroom roles.

• Targeted Topic Sessions: Interactive learning focused on behavior support and tracking child development journeys toward kindergarten readiness.

• Expert Instruction: Sessions will be led by our wonderful CRESC Local Leads, Wendy Green and Anna Rice.

📝 Full Details & Registration Coming Soon!

We are finalizing the exact times, locations, and schedules for each session. Keep a close eye on your inbox, as the official schedule and sign-up links will be sent out very soon so you can secure your spot!

Let’s get ready to learn, grow, and have a fantastic couple of days together!

Best regards,

Wendy Greeen

We have heard your requests and are thrilled to announce some highly anticipated upcoming training opportunities for your staff!

To better support your teams, we have officially set the dates for our upcoming Zoom sessions:

• Pre-K CLASS Zoom Session: Thursday, July 30th from 12:00 PM – 3:00 PM (For all Pre-K staff)

• Infant & Toddler CLASS Zoom Session: Wednesday, August 12th from 12:00 PM – 3:00 PM (For all Infant & Toddler staff)

Key Details:

• Instructors: These sessions will be led by Anna and Haley.

• Important Registration Step: Please have your staff sign up on the interest form as soon as possible. We will be using this list to send the official Zoom link directly to registered participants 24 hours before their scheduled session.

👉 LINK

If your facility is currently in need of specific professional development, we are here to support you. Reach out to us, and we will happily help connect you to the right updated trainings.

As we look ahead to a fantastic school year, I want to remind you that I would love to support your upcoming community events, school Literacy Nights, or Math Nights!

CRESC will be represented at these events by your Local Lead.. My goal is to be there to support birth through Pre-K in our community with families and to help you promote the importance of early childhood education.

If you have any events or special nights coming up, please reach out and let me know the details. You can send all information directly to me at wgreen@crmail.k12.ar.us.

I can't wait to see what other amazing events you have planned!

Wendy Green

This week's Families in the Know, we are sharing a super simple, 3-ingredient recipe for Frozen Fruit Popsicles that you can whip up with just yogurt, fruit, and a touch of honey. It’s the perfect kid-friendly kitchen activity to cool down on a hot day!

Once your treats are in the freezer, dive into our "Think About It!" section. It features 5 fun, reflective discussion questions designed to spark sweet summer conversations around the table.

https://canva.link/kzrv9709uzv5w1y

email: wgreen@crmail.k12.ar.us

Office Phone: 1-870-578-0337

Cell Phone: 1-870-926-2760

Mailing: 1606 Pine Grove Lane

Harrisburg, AR. 72432

Fax Number: 870-578-5896